SideWinder Precision 2

Reviews: Peripherals

Accessories | Gaming Devices | Keyboards / Mice | Printers

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Kurtis Kronk
Brian
TheTechLounge
Mar. 26, 2003

General Information

I bought this joystick about 3 months ago for one of my favorite games, BattleField1942, and I have used it a LOT! This joystick comes in a retail box with a cd and the joystick. The CD that comes with it has software on it that can't be downloaded anywhere (I looked for several hours to find it!). This software allows you to program the different functions for each button, you can even program macros to be performed on the press of a button. For example, I have the rapid-fire trigger set to shoot the machine guns, the 3 buttons on the top can all be used for secondary fire (bombs or missiles), the pan-hat is used to change views, the throttle control is used to control.... you guessed it, the throttle, and I have one button on the base set to eject, and one set to open parachute. You can also twist the handle while flying to use the rudder because this joystick has 3-axis'.

Feature Details

8 way pan-hat switch - located on the very top of the controller and can be pushed by the thumb in 8 different directions. If the game you are using the joystick in allows it, you can use this to check your rear, to your left, right, cockpit view, nose view, and whatever other angles are available in the game of your choice.

Rotating handle for rudder control - This is a very important feature to have when you are shopping for a joystick! If you want to be able to fly like a pro you need to have the same controls that the pros have. Rudders help pitch your wings up and down to make you turn and can even be used on the ground when taxi'ing. A joystick without a rudder control isn't worth the plastic is made out of.

16 Programmable functions - The sidewinder has 8 functions on the pan-hat switch (top, top left, left, bottom left, bottom, bottom right, right, top right) and the rapid fire trigger, 3 buttons on the top for the thumb, and 4 buttons on the base for your left hand to press. Once again, the included software lets you insert macros for any button you want, or just a single keystroke if you so wish.

Rapid-fire trigger - This isn't what you are probably thinking, Nintendo style rapid-fire where you can shoot faster than the enemy. What it IS, however, is a trigger that is placed strategically to allow for faster reaction time so you can take down the enemy planes!

Throttle Control - The throttle control allows you to range from reverse to full throttle. For example, in the DesertCombat mod for BF1942 you can taxi backwards in the jets, and then you can take off at half speed or whatever speed you want (as long as its fast enough to get you off the ground!) and then you can even put it to full throttle and kick in the after burners. In other games the throttle could be used differently for helicopters and such to hover, go up, or go down. You can also use the joystick for non-flying games but I like using my keyboard and mouse for shooting guns etc... and have yet to experiment with the joystick for FPS games like UT or CS.

Conclusion

This is a great joystick and I highly recommend it! Just make sure you don't lose the CD that comes with the unit!

Pros

Ergonomic design allowing maximum comfort
Plenty of programmable functions!
Great software for programming the joystick included
Rudder control!!!!
Rapid-fire trigger lets you own everybody
The pan-hat is great for quickly switching views

Cons

No middle snap for 0 thrust on throttle
Software for joystick is nowhere for download, only on the CD (Do NOT lose it!)

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